Before You Move (2-4 Weeks Out)
- Compare energy providers – set up electricity and gas for move-in day (AGL, Origin, Energy Australia all service Essendon)
- Book internet installation – NBN connections take 5-10 business days. Check available speeds at your new address on nbnco.com.au
- Set up mail redirection – Australia Post redirect starts at $37.50 for 1 month
- Notify important contacts – bank, employer, Medicare, ATO, Electoral Commission
- Research local council – Essendon falls under the local municipality
- Transfer or get Myki – add money before your first commute
- Find a local GP – check nearby clinics are accepting new patients
Moving Day Essentials
- Removalists or DIY – most properties have driveway access for truck loading
- Parking permit for truck – usually not needed – driveway access available
- Meter readings – photograph gas and electricity meters on arrival
- Condition report – if renting, document EVERYTHING with timestamped photos
- Keys and access – collect from agent/landlord, test all locks
- Emergency contacts – save local SES and council numbers
First Week in Essendon
- Update your address on MyGov, Medicare, bank, and licence (VicRoads online)
- Register to vote at new address (AEC requires notification within 8 weeks)
- Get a parking permit – not usually required – most properties include parking
- Set up bins – check which day is your collection day via council app
- Find your nearest – supermarket, pharmacy, medical centre, post office
- Test your commute – do a trial run to work at peak time before your first day
Local Services to Set Up
| Service | Where in Essendon |
|---|---|
| Supermarket | Closest Coles/Woolworths within 5-10 min drive |
| Post Office | Check auspost.com.au for nearest |
| Medical Centre | See our Essendon medical guide |
| Library | Check council website for nearest branch |
| Gym | Check local options – Anytime Fitness or similar |
Cost of Moving to Essendon
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Removalists (2-3br) | $500-1,200 |
| Bond (4 weeks rent) | $1445 |
| First month rent | $2085 |
| Utility connections | $50-150 in fees |
| Internet setup | $0-99 (provider dependent) |
| Parking permit | $0-50 |
| Address changes | Free (online) |
| Total move-in costs | $7,432+ |
Tips from Essendon Locals
- Join the local Facebook group for suburb-specific tips and recommendations
- Get familiar with the nearest train station and bus routes
- Download the council’s app for bin days, local alerts, and community events
For a full guide to what Essendon is like, see our honest guide and cost of living breakdown.
Information current as of April 2026. Council boundaries, services, and fees may change. Check your specific council website for the latest.
Before You Move (2-4 Weeks Out)
- Compare energy providers – set up electricity and gas for move-in day, including AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia and smaller retailers. Essendon has many older houses and apartments, so ask whether the property has gas hot water, electric-only cooking or embedded network billing before choosing a plan.
- Book removalists early – Essendon’s tighter streets around Buckley Street, Mt Alexander Road and Napier Street can make truck access harder on Saturdays.
- Confirm parking access – if you are moving into an apartment, ask the agent or owners corporation about lift bookings, loading bays and move-in time windows.
- Update your address – include VicRoads, Medicare, banks, insurance, Myki, subscriptions and the Australian Electoral Commission.
- Check internet options – confirm NBN connection type before move-in. Apartments may need building access for technician appointments.
Data-Backed Essendon Moving Snapshot
Essendon is a higher-density inner north-west suburb compared with much of Victoria. ABS Census data recorded 38.0% of occupied private dwellings as flats or apartments, compared with 12.1% across Victoria, which means lift access, strata rules and loading zones matter more here than in many outer suburbs.
Separate houses still make up 42.5% of occupied dwellings, so moving costs vary sharply by property type. A two-bedroom apartment move near Essendon Station may need less truck time than a four-bedroom house closer to Aberfeldie or Strathmore, but apartment logistics can add booking constraints.
Essendon also has a high rental presence: 40.1% of occupied private dwellings were rented, compared with 28.5% across Victoria. That makes lease-transfer timing, bond lodgement and condition reports especially important. The 2021 median weekly rent was $370, matching Victoria’s $370 at that Census point, but current Melbourne rents are much higher: Domain’s March 2026 report put Melbourne median rents at $590 per week for houses and $600 for units.
Car planning matters too. 12.8% of Essendon households had no registered motor vehicle, above Victoria’s 7.5%, while 46.0% had one vehicle. If you rely on public transport, prioritise walking distance to Essendon Station, Glenbervie Station, tram 59 or major bus routes before signing.
Move-In Week Checklist
- Collect keys and access devices – confirm all keys, garage remotes, fobs, mailbox keys and alarm codes are handed over.
- Complete the condition report immediately – photograph floors, walls, appliances, windows, blinds, bathroom grout, balcony surfaces and garage storage areas.
- Test utilities on day one – check hot water, heating, cooling, oven, cooktop, rangehood, internet and all power points.
- Measure large furniture paths – Essendon apartments and older homes can have narrow entries, staircases and hallway turns.
- Check bin collection rules – Moonee Valley properties may have different bin storage setups for standalone houses, townhouses and apartment blocks.
- Update emergency contacts – save nearby pharmacy, GP clinic, after-hours vet if relevant, locksmith and plumber details.
- Inspect parking signs – permit zones and timed parking are common near shopping strips, stations and schools.
Local Tips
- Avoid scheduling a large truck during school peak times near Essendon Primary School, St Columba’s College or Lowther Hall.
- If moving near Mt Alexander Road, check whether tram works, clearways or peak-hour restrictions affect unloading.
- For apartments, ask whether the owners corporation requires protective lift curtains.
- Keep a small first-night kit separate: bedding, kettle, chargers, medication, cleaning spray, toilet paper and basic tools.
FAQ
Q: Is Essendon harder to move into than outer Melbourne suburbs?
A: Often, yes. The mix of apartments, older homes, tram roads and permit parking means access planning is more important than in newer estates.
Q: When should I book removalists for an Essendon move?
A: Book 2-4 weeks ahead, or earlier for end-of-month, weekend or apartment moves requiring lift reservations.
Q: What should renters prioritise on move-in day?
A: Complete the condition report, test utilities, photograph damage and confirm bond lodgement details before unpacking heavily.
Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats: Essendon; Domain Rental Report, March 2026.
